In 1994, Allen was invited to participate in InSITE94, a large exhibition organized and cosponsored by Mexico and the United States. He proposed a site-specific work, situated on either side of the border wall with two vans positioned across the divide, each equipped with a platform and a sound system. An invitation was extended for anyone to say whatever they wished to the other side, with translators present for clear communication. For six weeks, the vans were driven to their locations every weekend, and when the piece was over, both vans were donated to a school in Tijuana.

Study for Cross the Razor (1), 1994
pen and ink, Polaroid, felt tip
21 x 15 in. (53.3 x 38.1 cm) each

Study for Cross the Razor (2), 1994
pen and ink, Polaroid, felt tip
21 x 15 in. (53.3 x 38.1 cm) each

Study for Cross the Razor (3), 1994
pen and ink, Polaroid, felt tip
21 x 15 in. (53.3 x 38.1 cm) each

“In order for Cross the Razor to happen, permissions had to be arranged through appropriate federal, state, and local agencies of both countries. It was also when Proposition 187 was on the California ballot, which would have denied health care, education and most social services to illegal immigrants, so tensions were high on both sides. But there were no incidents of consequence other than a couple of drunk poets getting up on the U.S. van and yelling insults at Federales on the Mexican side. In every other case people were amazingly eloquent and civil, whether they were giving an isolated monologue or having a dialogue with someone on the other side. Musicians also often got up and jammed with each other across the line.”
– Terry Allen

45 N Venice Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291

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